Roscommon Palliative Care Unit Marks First Anniversary

Roscommon Palliative Care Unit is officially open one year on Tuesday February 13th. This day last year saw the first patients enter the Unit, which was launched by Minister for Health, Stephen Donnelly TD.

Since opening, a large number of patients have been cared for at the eight-bed inpatient Unit that was built on a site purchased by Mayo Roscommon Hospice Foundation.

A brother of a patient who benefited from the services offered at the Hospice, has penned a beautiful poem that sums up the Unit.

The Palliative Care Unit is under the governance and full operational management of Roscommon University Hospital (RUH). Patients and their families have access to care from a range of specialist medical, nursing and health and social care professionals including physiotherapy, occupational therapy, social work, dietetics, speech and language therapy pharmacy, complementary therapy and pastoral care, supported by household, catering, clerical and maintenance team.. The Roscommon Palliative Home Care Team, which is under the governance of HSE Community Healthcare West, is based in the new Unit and works closely with the Unit’s inpatient team.

Marie Doorly, Interim General Manager said: “Roscommon University Hospital is delighted to celebrate one year of operation of the Hospice Service.  It has provided patients, their families and friends with a beautiful environment, where the needs of the patients are delivered by our brilliant staff.  The care is fully patient centered, delivered with kindness, consideration and empathy.  The whole environment is one of care and putting the needs of the patient first.  The surroundings are relaxing, welcoming and homely and provide an appropriate space for relatives and friends to gather to support loved ones who are availing of the service.

We are also very proud to welcome the Volunteer Service which is about to start at the hospital and Palliative Care Service Unit in the next couple of weeks.” 

Martina Jennings, Chief Executive of Mayo Roscommon Hospice Foundation, said: “With a large number patients looked after in the Hospice to date, it just shows the need we have for inpatient palliative care services in Roscommon. It is the day to day fundraising carried out in local communities that keeps the Hospice functioning. We are committed to continuing to fund, support and develop this , along with funding our community palliative care service.

I have to commend all of the staff who work at the Hospice and also in our communities. They go above and beyond for all patients and their families. They have hosted date nights for couples, afternoon teas and held screenings during the rugby world cup. We see at first-hand how much these kinds of events mean to patients and their families. We have the best facilities where patients are cared for with dignity and respect. There is such a warm, welcoming atmosphere in the hospice, which is a credit to everyone who works there.

I want to again thank all of our supporters, volunteers, fundraisers and donors. I am also incredibly grateful to Roscommon University Hospital for their incredible work to date.”

Mayo Roscommon Hospice Foundation has been in existence since 1993 and exists to provide palliative care services to people with life limiting illnesses and their families in County Mayo and County Roscommon. Both hospices in Mayo and Roscommon were developed and paid for by fundraised income (a combined €15.5 million) and are a result of the great support received from the people of Mayo and Roscommon. Over the past 31 years, the Palliative Care Teams have assisted in the care of over 20,000 patients and their families. 

Anyone who wishes to make a donation to Mayo Roscommon Hospice Foundation can do so by logging on to www.hospice.ie or by phoning 094 93 88666 or by calling to the Mayo Roscommon Hospice Foundation office on the Main Street in Knock.

Photo Caption
From left: Ursula Morgan, Director of Nursing RUH; Martina Jennings, CEO Mayo Roscommon Hospice; Mike Smith, Chairman Mayo Roscommon Hospice; Geraldine Keane, Assistant Director of Nursing RUH; Carol Duggan, Clinical Nurse Manager; and Marie Doorly Interim General Manager RUH.